Workforce Connections Action Item

DATE:	Tuesday, November 14, 2017
TO:	School Board Members
FROM:	Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the Agreement with Hillsborough County, Florida and the Purchases Covered Within for Hillsborough County Manufacturing Academy Workforce Development Initiatives (Workforce Connections)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2015, the Hillsborough County Manufacturing Academy Workforce Development Initiatives were established to provide operational and support services for the delivery of manufacturing related workforce training initiatives for high school and postsecondary students, graduates, and residents in the Hillsborough County Manufacturing Academy Program, with a special emphasis on the recruitment of minorities, women, and veterans.   These initiatives address the manufacturing skills gap by raising awareness of manufacturing opportunities in Hillsborough County,  preparing students for careers in manufacturing, and engaging the private sector in providing on-the-job training opportunities for students. As part of this new agreement covering two fiscal years, funds are available to enhance the Pathways to Engineering program at Middleton High School; the Welding Technologies program at Hillsborough High School and Erwin Technical College; and the Machining Technology program at Armwood High School.   During the 2018 fiscal year, we are requesting approval to utilize no more than $120,000 of these funds to purchase Amatrol Certified Production Technician Skill Boss Equipment and Software from D. C. Jaeger Corporation. Amatrol uses exclusive distributors for specific states, therefore, D. C. Jaeger Corporation is the only distributor supported by Amatrol for Florida purchases.   In accordance with the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Purchasing Policy 6A-1.012(12)(d), commodities or contractual services available only from a single source may be exempted from the competitive solicitation requirements. When a district school board believes that commodities or contractual services are available only from a single source as specified by the FLDOE, the district school board may negotiate on the best terms and conditions with the single source vendor.   Signatures from Hillsborough County, Florida will be obtained after this agreement is presented to their Board on December 6, 2017.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Improve the high school graduation rate • Provide a student-centered learning environment that engages every child
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
Funding of $250,000 for this project is provided by Hillsborough County, Florida with $140,000 allocated in Fiscal Year 2018 and $110,000 allocated in Fiscal Year 2019.
EVALUATION
Over the past two school years, there were 20 students who earned the Certified Welder, 8 students who earned the Certified Production Technician, and 99 students who earned Engineering Core certification. There are currently over 800 students enrolled in manufacturing-related courses that will be supported by this initiative. The new agreement will be evaluated by a survey of students, teachers, and advisory committee members to seek feedback regarding the impact of this equipment on course completion, industry certification, and job placement of students.
SUBMITTED BY:  Warren S. Brooks, Workforce Connections Officer, Workforce Connections

Gretchen Saunders		Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Business Officer (813) 272-4270		Chief of Staff (813) 272-4986
		C 6.15
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20171114_823 (Reorganization/Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 6.15